From its foundation in 1768 the Royal Academy of Arts has provided a voice for art and artists. We are an independent charity led by eminent artists and architects—the Royal Academicians—and we pursue our mission through exhibitions, education and debate.

Behind the scenes in the RA Collection.

Photo: Benedict Johnson.

Support us

Be part of our story

Support us

We're an independent charity that receives no revenue funding from the government. We rely on the generosity of our Friends, Patrons and supporters to continue our programme of exhibitions, education and debate.

We are proud to have stayed true to our founding principles: to present a broad range of art to the widest possible audience; to stimulate artistic debate, understanding and creation; and offer free education to the next generation of leading artists.

Friends of the RA

Enjoy free entry to our exhibitions

As one of our Friends, you’ll get to know us in a whole new way. You and a family guest will visit our exhibitions for free all year round, enjoy all day access to the Keeper’s House and be invited to events and lectures. All this and more is included in our Friends membership scheme.

RA Patrons

A deeper engagement with art and artists

By supporting us as a Patron, you become part of the Academy. We aim to bring you closer to everything we do here with studio visits, expert-led tours and private viewings of our Collection and Archive. We offer priority booking for all our talks and lectures as well as first entry to our exhibitions – so you can experience everything that makes the RA special and a place worth protecting.

Corporate support

Effective sponsorship, membership and entertaining opportunities

By supporting the Royal Academy of Arts, we hope to inspire a lifelong love of art in you, your colleagues and your clients. Whatever your particular interests or needs, we take pleasure and pride in offering our corporate supporters an experience they won’t find anywhere else. In return, you help us continue to make, exhibit and debate art.

Leave a gift to the arts

A gift in your will can make you a part of our future

We rely on the generosity of people who believe in our mission to provide a clear, strong voice for art and artists. Our independence is one of many things that makes us unique in the art world. By leaving a gift in your will you will help make sure we remain that way and ensure generations to come continue to discover a love of art through our work.

Trusts and foundations

Working with us to build our future

Without the help of our supporters, we wouldn’t be able run our innovative Learning programme and art school, or make ambitious plans for the future. We are continually seeking funding to support our activities and work closely with trusts and foundations who believe in our mission and vision for the years to come.

Piccadilly site

Burlington Gardens site

A voice for art and artists since 1768

The Royal Academy of Arts is an independent charity and does not receive revenue funding from government. We are entirely reliant upon the support of visitors, our loyal Friends, Patrons, donors and sponsors to continue our work. Your support is our future.